I have built my lab and honestly most of the equipment is not that expensive and can be used for CCNP/CCSP studies as well. The problem that I am having is in locating the ACS software etc. I created a post on it "CISCO DOES NOT PROVIDE THE TOOLS". Hopefully, they do and I am just unaware.

The CCNA Security does not require much. You really only need an ISR router. It does not cover PIX or ASA so you can avoid that cost for now. You can get an 851 router for under $200 on eBay and that is all you need other than a server (Can be one of your home PC's) and the ACS software. There is supposed to be a trial but I don't like the thought of that either. Would be nice if Cisco offered something for students!

I just bought both Cisco Networking Academy books (Lab and Coursebook) for self-study.

Join CiscoPress they have great promotions and their direct price with discounts/free FedEx shipping often beats Amazon!

I wish the Networking Academy was also available online versus needing to go through a brick-and-mortor school...how dated! Most learning/degrees does not require a traditional brick-and mortar education; and hopefully the Cisco networks we create will supplant most of that need! That being said, most online degrees cost more than their brick-and-mortar counterparts...how ridiculous! That is the reason I adore this industry: One's education and proven experience and ability--supplants, at the engineer level anyway, the need for sitting through an over-priced degree program.

We should be taught how to learn when young; then industries should have their own metrics/certifications which determine if we possess the requisite skills. I love self-study and online learning collaboration---which is what CLN is all about.

Smart buy, by the way, just got an email from Amazon this morning regarding the CCNA Security Lab Manual....I originally was going to buy those for my ccna studies, but used Chris Bryant's labs instead, and created some of my own. The companion and lab guide for ccna security look good.....when I'm ready, i'll be picking these up as well.

i haven't done my CISSP. i'm not really a security. the best certification i have for security that i enjoyed was CWSP.... that was alot of reading not to mention i failed the exam twice but got it on the third try.

i think i'm gonna go for my CCDE written first and then i'll tackle the CCNA security. Thanks for the reference materials. i will place an order for those books and labs.